Average Art Directors Salary in Tennessee
Art Directors in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $96,710, which is notably lower than the national average of $128,710. This disparity is often influenced by a combination of factors specific to the state's economic landscape and the overall demand for specialized creative leadership roles within its industries.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $96,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $151,190.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 750 Art Directors and a Location Quotient of 0.7, Tennessee presents a market with a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. While the absolute number of jobs per 1,000 workers is 0.23, indicating a moderate presence, the lower LQ suggests that while opportunities exist, the field may not be as densely populated as in other regions, potentially offering a less saturated environment for skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Art Directors in Tennessee earns-24.9%below the national average.
$46.5
$1,860
$8,059
Art Directors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Art Director salary growth in Tennessee over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for creative roles have seen a steady upward trend, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for sophisticated visual communication strategies across various industries, leading employers to offer more competitive compensation to attract and retain top talent.
Art Directors Salary Distribution in Tennessee
The career trajectory for Art Directors in Tennessee, like elsewhere, typically shows a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with a proven track record and extensive portfolio can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the substantial career progression and earning potential available as one advances through junior, mid-level, and senior Art Director roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $40,320 | $19.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $72,533 | $34.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $75,820 | $36.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $120,888 | $58.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $151,190 | $72.7 |
Detailed Art Directors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$96,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$106,980
Adjusted for COL (90.4)
An Art Director's nominal salary of $96,710 in Tennessee is significantly bolstered by the state's cost of living, which stands at 90.4 (100 being the national average). This means that the purchasing power of an Art Director's income in Tennessee is greater than the national average, allowing their earnings to stretch further and potentially offering a higher real income compared to higher cost-of-living areas, even with a lower nominal salary.
Job Market Context
750
Total Jobs
0.23
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Tennessee has 0.70x the national average concentration of Art Directors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.7 for Art Directors in Tennessee indicates that the state has a lower concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market, while present, is not as saturated as in major creative hubs. For Art Directors, this could translate to a less competitive landscape for securing positions, but also potentially fewer opportunities overall compared to regions with a higher LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Art Directors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Art Directors Salary | $112,430↑ 16% | 29 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tennessee
Hiring Art Directorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Art Directors make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for a Art Directors in Tennessee is $96,710. This typically ranges from $40,320 for entry-level positions to $151,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 24.9% lower than the national median of $128,710.
Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Art Directors?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is below the national average, Tennessee's lower cost of living significantly enhances the purchasing power of an Art Director's income. This makes the effective financial benefit of working in Tennessee quite competitive.
Is Tennessee a good place to live for Art Directors?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($112,430) and others.
How does Tennessee's cost of living affect Art Director salaries?
Tennessee's cost of living index of 90.4 means that $96,710 effectively buys more goods and services than it would in a national average cost-of-living area, making the salary more valuable locally.
Is the job market for Art Directors in Tennessee growing?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the presence of 750 Art Directors and a jobs-per-1,000-workers rate of 0.23 suggests a stable, albeit not booming, market that likely follows general economic and creative industry trends.
What is the typical salary range for an Art Director in Tennessee?
While the average is $96,710, salaries can vary significantly based on experience, industry, and specific company. Entry-level roles will be lower, while senior positions with extensive portfolios can command substantially higher compensation.
How does Tennessee compare to national averages for Art Directors?
Tennessee's average salary for Art Directors is approximately 75% of the national average. However, its lower cost of living offsets this difference, making the effective financial standing comparable or even better in some aspects.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 750 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 0.23 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Art Directors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tennessee